One Thousand and One Nights: A Retelling

by Hanan Al-Shaykh

what William Blake said about Paradise Lost: that Milton, being a poet, was of the Devil’s camp whether he knew it or not.

What treacherous world is this, which fails to distinguish between a sovereign king and a nobody?”

‘Lovers, in the name of God, Tell me how can one relieve this endless desperation?

“He should conceal his love and hide Showing only his patience and humility.”

“He tried to show fair patience but could only find A heart that was filled with unease.”

“If he cannot counsel his patience to conceal his secrets Nothing will serve him better than death.”

“I have heard, obeyed, and now must I die. Salutations to she who tore us apart.”

the sacred night when the doors of heaven stand open and the angels grant one believer three wishes.

“One should never act on what one hears from others, but seek and discover the truth for himself.

“It is true, life is but a bunch of secrets.”

one shouldn’t act upon what he hears till he is certain that it is the truth. And even then, always to act with mercy.”

“We plead with you, Oh Commander of the Faithful, to forgive us. We are unable to obey your good wishes, for we regard men as a deadly disease.”

Satan says: ‘I teach men what I learn from women!’ ”

There are three things one cannot trust: the horse, the sword and women.

“Though I’m thrilled that he burns for my princess, your youth is a thug with no scruples.

“Surely you know that pleasure soon evaporates, into thin air? Then all we are left with are stories.”

“What an extraordinary, unusual thing. This King has a vagina.”